The opening of Reading’s new IKEA could just prove the catalyst for many people in the town to get on with that DIY they’ve been meaning to do for the last five years or so.

Perhaps it’s the time to put together a military-style operation to get together all the things you need for that dream home of yours.

So why not make a day of it and get all your stuff in one go.

For some this will be a thoroughly enjoyable day, and for others it will be a necessary nightmare

So you’ve bought the Billy bookcase, the Poang armchair, the Falster garden furniture but you now need paint, screws or perhaps some plants to complete the transformation of your home.

Here are the closest DIY stores and garden centres to the new Reading IKEA.

1. B&Q

The biggest and the best in our opinion. You could build a house with what is on sale at the Reading branch of B&Q, just one junction towards London on the M4. Friendly and expert staff who are always happy to advise.

B&Q RG2 1GQ

2 . Glenvale Nurseries

This independent garden centre in Bradfield Southend is just 10 minutes from IKEA and is the ideal spot to buy plants to sit alongside any new garden furniture you may have bought. Those with little gardening expertise can buy baskets and tubs ready planted for that instant garden transformation.

Glenvale RG7 6JH.

3 . Englefield Garden Centre

A small but well-stocked nursery managed by Affinity Trust, a charity that supports adults with learning disabilities, just over the motorway junction from IKEA. More than 100,000 plants are grown every year at the garden centre and knowledgeable staff are happy to help.

Englefield Garden Centre RG7 5ES

4. Homebase, Reading

This is the DIY shop in Reading that sells Farrow & Ball paint so if you are looking for Mouse's Back, Dead Salmon or Churlish Green - yes, they really are paint colours - head to Homebase in Reading town centre.

Homebase RG31 7SD

5 . Dads Shop, Mortimer

If you can't face the DIY warehouses, try Dads Shop - the legendary village shop with the famously ungrammatical sign - in Mortimer for decorating essentials, hardware supplies, tools and plumbing supplies.

Dads Shop RG7 3TE

6 . Wickes

The chain supplies trade-quality DIY and building materials at its Oxford Road branch in Reading.

Wickes RG30 1PR

7 . Collins, Pangbourne

A traditional hardware store where you can buy paint, plumbing parts and decorating essentials like wood fillers and tools plus much, much more.